174 MARINE iMAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 



The mode of capturing the Sea Otters between Point Grenville and the Aleu- 

 tian Islands varies with the diflferent native tribes inhabiting that coast. The Aleu- 

 tians, dressed in their water -proof garments, made from the intestines of seals, 

 wedo-e themselves into their baidarhis (which are constructed with a light, wooden 

 frame, and covered with walrus or seal skin), and, donning their hunting- caps, 

 plunge through the surf that dashes high among the crags, and, with almost instinct- 

 ive skill, reach the less turbulent ground -swell that heaves in every direction. 

 These aquatic men are so closely confined by the narrow build of their boats, and 

 keeping motion with them, too, that their appearance suggests the idea that some 

 undescribed marine monster had just emerged from the depths below. Once clear 

 of the rocks, however, tlie hunters watch diligently for the Otters. The first man 

 that gets near one darts his spear, then throws up his paddle by way of signal; 

 all the other boats forming a circle around him, at some distance. The wounded 

 animal dives deeply, but soon returns to the surface, near some one of the baidarkas 

 forming the circle. Again the hunter that is near enough hurls his spear and ele- 

 vates his paddle, and again the ring is formed as before. In this way the chase is 

 continued until the capture is made. As soon as the animal is brought on shore, 

 the two oldest hunters examine it, and the one whose spear is found nearest its 

 head is entitled to the prize. 



The number of Sea Otter skins taken annually is not definitely known, but 

 from the most authentic information we can obtain, the aggregate for the past 

 three years has been five thousand, one thousand of which came from the Kurile 

 Islands ; and, valuing each skin at fifty dollars, amounts to the sum of two 

 hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 



Whether these very valuable fur animals have decreased in numbers"within the 

 past few years, is questionable. The hunting of them on the coast of California is 

 no longer profitable for more than two or three hunters, and we believe of late 

 some seasons have passed without any one legitimately engaging in the enterprise ; 

 notwithstanding, off Point Grenville, which is an old hunting-ground, sixty Otters 

 were taken by only three hunters during ■ the summer of 18G8 — a great annual 

 increase over many past years. It is said the Russian - American Company restricted 

 the number taken yearly by the Aleutian Islanders, from whom the chief supply 

 was obtained, in order to perpetuate the stock. Furthermore, may it not be that 

 these sagacious animals have fled from those places on the coasts of the Californias 

 where they were so constantly pursued, to some more isolated haunt, and now 

 remain unmolested? 



